(from Mitsubishi
Press Release) Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled a new and
more powerful version of the iconic Lancer Evolution IX supercar. A
development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366bhp version
of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. Available to order now,
priced at £35,504, it reaffirms the ‘Evo’s’ reputation as the
everyday supercar, offering pace and practicality at an affordable
price.

Making its debut at the British Motor Show, the new FQ-360 joins a
three car Lancer Evolution line-up, consisting of the FQ-300, the
FQ-320 and the FQ-340, all of which continue. Orders can be placed
at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in
September.

Model range

Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX FQ-300 £28,039

Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX FQ-320 £30,039

Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX FQ-340 £33,039

Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX FQ-360 £35,504

The FQ-360 has been
developed by engineers from Mitsubishi UK’s motor sport and
performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the
limited edition FQ-400. Launched in 2004, the FQ-400 was the
fastest-ever production Mitsubishi and the new FQ-360 shares some of
its key components.

Mitsubishi’s engineers sought to improve the performance of the
1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the
introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic
converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine
Control Unit (ECU) has been fully reprogrammed to create a car that
delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft of torque at a lowly
3200rpm.

The torque output is the key to this car’s character. The peak
output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is
delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range. It’s also 18lb ft more
than the FQ-340. “We’ve worked hard to optimise the FQ-360’s
driveability,” says Paul Brigden, general manager, Ralliart. “We
wanted to deliver the best possible driving experience, rather than
concentrating on a headline-grabbing power output.”

The FQ-360 may have been tuned for driveability, but that doesn’t
mean that its supercar-bashing performance has been compromised.
This car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1 sec and top
160mph. These figures underline Lancer Evolution’s reputation as the
supercar bargain. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which
costs almost twice as much, takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph from
rest.

Subtle exterior enhancements differentiate the FQ-360 from the rest
of the Lancer Evolution range and improve its aerodynamic efficiency
at high speed. One of the most obvious changes is the introduction
of a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, which is attached to the front
apron and provides additional downforce. At the rear, a carbon fibre
‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic
lift.

Keen ‘Evo spotters’ will also note the introduction of a bespoke set
of alloy wheels. Developed by Speedline, they mimic the five-spoke
design of Mitsubishi’s tarmac-spec rally car and are not available
as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod with Yokohama
ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of the
Lancer Evolution range.

The interior of the FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one
notable addition, the space below the stereo – which is used for
oddments storage in the FQ-340 – is now occupied by a Ralliart
Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil
temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information
to the enthusiastic driver.

Fears that the FQ-360 would be a stripped-out road racer can also be
allayed. Its comprehensive specification includes climate control,
all-round electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a
category 1 alarm and four airbags, proving that performance and
comfort can go hand-in-hand.

The FQ-360’s suspension steering is unchanged from the standard
Evolution IX. The Evolution IX’s Brembo brakes are also more than
capable of coping with the increase in performance. The 17in
ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front and 16in
ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear are
supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
EBD automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to
match the vehicle load and driving conditions.